BeachTek DXA-SLR PURE User manual

DXA-SLR PURE
Passive Audio Adapter for DSLR Cameras
This operating manual explains the adapter function settings
and how to use the adapter to record audio into the camera.
©Beachtek Inc. 2013
Operating Manual

Thank You for Purchasing a Beachtek Product
Congratulations on purchasing the DXA-SLR PURE. This adapter will
provide you with exceptional performance to enable you to record
professional audio directly to your camera.
Before using this high quality device, please read this guide
thoroughly to obtain the highest performance.
Please contact us if you have any problems or questions.
Description
The Beachtek DXA-SLR PURE is a two-channel, passive audio adapter
for connecting amplified signals from a wireless mic or a mixing board to
any DSLR camera that has a built-in mic jack. It can also be used with
any camcorder or other audio recording device that has a mic jack. Note
that it is not designed to connect directly to unamplified microphones.
The DXA-SLR PURE uses exceptionally low noise, wide bandwidth,
balancing transformers for pure, clean audio with no electronics to get in
the way. This allows you to record high quality audio directly to the
camera which will always be in sync with the video. Direct audio
recording eliminates the need to have a separate audio recording device
and syncing the audio in post editing.
The transformer balanced inputs provide electrical isolation from the
camera for protection and also to reduce the possibility of ground loop
noise. Built-in VU meters makes it easy to verify the proper signal levels
at a glance, while the level controls allow you to adjust the output signal
for optimum recording. The phone jack lets you monitor the audio from
the adapter during recording, or camera during playback.
The adapter mounts to the bottom of the camera and can also be
mounted to any standard tripod.

Warnings
Ensure that the VOLUME control is set low to avoid excessively loud
audio from damaging your hearing.
Always do a test recording and play back the audio to ensure it is
acceptable.
This adapter does not have a preamplifier to increase the signal levels
from the inputs – the output level will only be as strong as the input level.
It is not designed to be connected directly with most microphones as it
will most likely result in a too low an output level for optimum
performance with DSLR cameras. For this application you should use
one of our active adapters which have built-in preamplifiers.

Contents
Before You Begin……………………………………………………….. 1
Supplied Accessories…………………………………………………... 1
Quick Setup Guide……………………………………………………… 2
Adapter Connectors and Controls…………………………………….. 3
Setup Guide……………………………………………………………... 5
Basic Operation…………………………………………………………. 7
Playback Monitoring……………………………………………………. 9
Advanced Operation……………………………………………………. 10
Features…………………………………………………………………. 11
Specifications…………………………………………………………… 12
Warranty Information…………………………………………………… 13

Before You Begin
1) These instructions refer to the use of this adapter with Canon
DSLR cameras unless otherwise noted.
2) Do a few test recordings and check playback on the camera to
ensure that the audio is captured as expected. Most cameras do
not have a headphone jack to monitor what is being recorded.
3) Some older Nikon cameras have a very sensitive microphone input
and require a special 25dB padded output cable from the adapter.
Please contact us for details.
4) Some Sony wireless mics have very low output levels which will
not give you good results without some form or preamplification.
5) Panasonic Lumix GH1 and GH2 require a special 2.5mm mic
cable which is available from our Online Store.
Supplied Accessories
3.5mm to 3.5mm output cable
AV Cable for playback monitoring
1

Quick Setup Guide
1) Ensure the POWER switch is set to OFF before you begin.
2) Install a fresh alkaline or lithium battery in the adapter.
3) Mount the DXA-SLR PURE adapter to the camera.
4) Connect the supplied output cable from the OUT jack on the adapter
to the MIC input jack on the camera.
5) Connect your wireless mic or audio mixer to the L and or R inputs of
the adapter.
6) Set the MONITOR switch to REC.
7) Set the LIN/MIC switches to:
MIC for wireless mics. (on the Sennheiser EW100 receiver, set
it to 0dB)
LIN for mixers
8) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one channel or to S
for stereo when using two channels. When in mono mode, keep
the unused channel level control fully clockwise. This will isolate
the unused channel from the working channel so it will not cause
any interference.
9) Turn the adapter PWR switch on. The power LED should indicate
green.
10) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to get an average reading
of between -12dB and 0dB on the VU Meter. Be sure not to exceed
0dB. Note that you should keep any unused channel level control
fully clockwise as mentioned in step 8.
11) Plug your headphones into the PHONE jack on the adapter and
adjust the VOLUME control to a comfortable level. Ensure that you
hear audio on both channels from the connected devices.
12) Do a test recording and playback on the camera to ensure that the
captured audio is satisfactory.
2

Adapter Connectors and Controls
Front Panel
PWR Switch
Main power switch for adapter
PWR LED
Green indicates power on and good battery condition
Red indicates low battery voltage
MONITOR Switch
Selects headphone monitoring from either the adapter inputs
during recording, or playback audio from the camera
PHONE
Headphone jack to monitor the audio from adapter inputs or
camera
Volume Control
Adjusts the headphone volume level
MODE Switch
Selects M for mono or S for stereo output mode
LIN/MIC Switches
Selects LIN for line level, or MIC for microphone level for each
input
LEFT and RIGHT Controls
Individual adjustment controls to adjust output levels on each
channel
VU Meter
Indicates the sound level in dB for each channel
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Side Panel
L and R Inputs
Accepts balanced XLR or ¼” unbalanced mono phone jacks
OUT
Output jack for connection to the camera
MONITOR IN
Input jacks for connecting the AV cable to the camera
Front Panel
Side Panel
4
10
10
11
12
1
2
3
54
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Setup Guide
Battery Installation
1) The DXA-SLR PURE operates on one 9 volt battery. We
recommend that you use either an alkaline or lithium type battery
for the longest operating time.
2) To install the battery unlatch the drawer by pushing in and over on
the drawer front, releasing and sliding the drawer out. Insert the
battery with the “+” positive terminal lined up with the “+” indicator
on the battery compartment. Slide the battery drawer closed until it
clicks into place.
Note that the battery is not required to pass the audio signal. The battery
is only used for the VU meter and headphone amplifier. The audio will
continue to be sent to the camera even if the battery goes dead or the
unit is switched off.
Mounting and Connecting the Adapter to the Camera
1) Ensure that the camera and adapter are both switched off.
2) Line up the mounting bolt on top of the adapter to the tripod hole
on the underside of the camera. Carefully turn the adapter
mounting knob on the front panel to the right, to screw the
adapter squarely into the camera. Snug the adapter to the
camera, but do not over tighten.
3) Connect one end of the supplied output cable to the OUT of the
adapter and the other end to the MIC on the camera.
5

Initial Setup
1) Connect your wireless mic or feed from a mixer to the adapter via
the L and R inputs via balanced XLR or unbalanced ¼” mono
phone jacks.
2) Set the LIN/MIC switch to:
MIC when connecting most wireless receivers.
LIN when taking a line level feed from a mixer or sound board.
3) Set the MONITOR Switch to REC to monitor the audio from the
adapter inputs during recording.
4) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one input. Set the
unused channel level control fully clockwise to isolate it from the
working channel. When using two inputs, you should normally set
the switch to S for stereo to keep each channel separated.
5) Plug your headphones into the PHONE jack to monitor the audio.
6

Basic Operation
After following the above Initial Setup, you should be ready to start
recording.
1) Turn the adapter PWR switch ON. The power LED should light
green indicating good battery voltage. Red indicates low battery
warning.
2) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to give you an average
reading of between -12dB and 0dB on the VU Meter. Be sure not
to exceed 0dB. This will provide a good signal level to the camera
and still offer plenty of headroom for higher transient signals.
3) Adjust the VOLUME control for the headphones to a comfortable
listening level.
4) Turn on the camera and do a test recording and then play back the
audio from the camera to determine if the captured audio is
acceptable. Refer to Playback Monitoring below.
The Auto Gain Control (AGC) in the camera will vary the amount of gain
depending upon the input signal level. During quiet moments, the AGC
will increase the gain, which will also increase the amount of hiss from
the camera preamplifiers. To prevent this, refer to Using Cameras that
have Manual Audio Features under Advanced Operations.
7

Notes on Getting the Best Audio Performance
The most common problem in recording professional audio on today’s
DSLR cameras is the hiss generated by the camera preamplifiers. You
will never completely eliminate all hiss, which is normal, but you can
reduce it so that it is no longer a problem.
The most important thing to remember when recording audio is to set the
audio levels correctly as explained in this manual.
Setting the levels too low will give you a poor signal to noise ratio and
lead to poor results. Also, setting the levels too high will cause clipping
and distortion. Having the proper levels will ensure that good clean audio
signals are being sent to the camera for the highest quality audio.
8

Playback Monitoring
To monitor audio from the camera during playback you will need to use
the AV cable that came with the camera and AV cable that came with
the adapter. Be sure to keep the output cable connected between the
camera and adapter which supplies the needed ground path for the
signal through the AV cable.
1) Plug the adapter AV cable into the MONITOR IN on the DXA-SLR
PURE
2) Attach the camera AV cable to the AV output on the camera.
3) Note that the camera screen will go blank when the AV cable is
plugged into a Canon camera. To view the video while monitoring
the audio you will need to use an external monitor connected to
the yellow RCA connector of the camera AV cable.
4) Connect the red and white RCA jacks on the adapter AV cable to
the corresponding red and white plugs on the camera AV cable.
5) Set the MONITOR switch to PLAY.
6) You can now play back the clip and hear the audio through your
headphones connected to PHONE output on the adapter.
Note that the playback audio may appear to have an excessive amount
of hiss. This is normal since the signal is passing through the relatively
noisy analog output of the camera. This is not representative of the
actual recorded digital file.
9

Advanced Operation
Using Cameras that have Manual Audio Features
If your camera allows you to disable the AGC feature we recommend
that you do so to get the best performance. Set the camera to manual
mode and the camera gain to about 25% of maximum on Canon
cameras, or recording Level 1 on older Nikon cameras that provide 3
gain settings, or 7 on newer Nikon cameras that provide 20 gain
settings.
This setup will keep the gain in the camera steady and will avoid the
increased noise that occurs during quiet moments of recording. It will
also calibrate the VU meter on the adapter to allow for proper adjustment
of the recording levels.
10

Features
Inputs
Two XLR connectors with integrated ¼” phone jacks
Loop back for playback monitoring
Outputs
Unbalanced stereo mini-plug jack for connection to the camera
Headphone Monitor
Built-in headphone amplifier with volume control
3.5mm phone jack
VU Meter
Easy to read level meters indicate proper signal level for each
channel
Level Controls
Adjusts signal level output on each channel
MIC/LINE Switches
Allows connections of wireless microphones or mixers for
versatility
Playback Monitor
Provides an easy way to monitor audio on playback
Power
Easily replaceable 9 volt battery
Low battery indicator
Case
Sturdy die-cast aluminum enclosure
11

Specifications
Maximum Input Levels MIC level: -3dBu
LINE level: +14dBu
Output Level -36dBu at 0dB on the VU meter
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
THD Less than 0.01% @ 1kHz, -30dBu input
S/N Ratio 85dB @ 1kHz, -30dBu input
Gain Unity
VU meter -18 to +3dB in 3dB increments
Battery Type One 9 volt alkaline or lithium battery
Battery Duration 10 hours typical with alkaline battery
20 hours typical with lithium battery
Dimensions 6” x 3.75” x 1.75” (L x W x H)
(152mm x 95mm x 44mm)
Weight 18 oz (0.51 kg)
12

Warranty Information
Limited Two Year Warranty
This warranty covers any defects or malfunction in your new Beachtek
adapter for two years from date of purchase.
Beachtek will replace or repair any defective or malfunctioning adapter,
within the warranty period, at no charge. The warranty does not cover
damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse. The device
must be sent to our service center at your expense.
Should you require service please contact us first before returning the
unit to us. Return instructions can be found on our website at
www.beachtek.com under the Support option.
Upon receiving the returned adapter it will be inspected and replaced or
repaired if found defective. The unit will be shipped back to you within
five business days at our expense.
13

Contact Information
Address
Beachtek Inc.
480 Osprey Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada V1Y 5A5
Phone
778-478-9872
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.beachtek.com